Volkswagen offers 6-year warranty to win back US customers

Volkswagen AG is trying to win back American customers after its diesel emission scandal with SUV warranties that it said will be the longest in the United States.

Ahead of the New York auto show, the world's largest automaker said Tuesday it will offer a six-year, 72,000 mile warranty on its new 2018 Atlas and 2018 Tiguan sport utility vehicles that go on sale later this year.

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"This warranty further addresses the needs of American buyers head-on," said Volkswagen Group of American chief executive Hinrich Woebcken.

VW said most other major rivals offer a 36,000 mile, three-year warranty on similar SUVs.

AutoNation Inc chief executive Mike Jackson said that an extended warranty could help win customers.

"The American people are full of forgiveness. All you have to do is say you are sorry and give them a deal," said Jackson, who heads the largest U.S. new car dealership chain.

VW has "to give a price that reflects that you are asking for forgiveness."

In March Volkswagen pleaded guilty as part of a settlement over the automaker's diesel emissions scandal.

In total, VW has agreed to spend up to $25 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers and offered to buy back about 500,000 polluting U.S. vehicles.